Working on Subclass 485: Full work rights, no employer sponsorship required

One of the greatest advantages of the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa is its unrestricted work rights. Unlike many Australian visas, the 485 does not require an employer sponsor, a job offer, or commitment to a specific occupation. You can work for any employer, in any role, across any industry — giving you complete flexibility while building your experience and preparing for the next step toward permanent residency.

What are full work rights on a 485?

When you hold a Subclass 485 visa, you have what is called unrestricted work rights. This means:

• No employer sponsor needed: You do not need your employer to nominate or sponsor you. You can work for any employer without prior approval.
• Any occupation: You can work in any role, regardless of your qualification or occupation list. You could study engineering and work in hospitality, or vice versa — there are no restrictions.
• Any industry: All industries are open to you — healthcare, technology, construction, hospitality, retail, finance, public sector, non-profit, education, etc.
• Multiple employers: You can work for as many employers as you wish, simultaneously or sequentially (part-time, casual, multiple jobs).
• Self-employment: You can be self-employed, run a business, or be a contractor (with some tax and compliance considerations).
• Full-time or part-time: You can work full-time, part-time, or casual hours. There are no minimum or maximum hour restrictions.

This freedom is a major advantage of the 485 compared to other temporary visas.

How the 485 compares to other Australian work visas

The 485’s combination of no sponsor + no restrictions is unique among Australian work visas.

Building work experience on your 485

Because you have complete work freedom, the 485 is an ideal period to build a strong employment history in Australia. Here’s how to maximise this advantage:

Strategy 1: Build experience in your skilled occupation

If you plan to pursue skilled migration (482, 186, 189, 190, 191, 491), focus your 485 work on roles within your nominated occupation.

Example:

• You studied Business and plan to pursue a 482 / 186 as a Management Accountant.
• During your 485, work in accounting roles (junior accountant, business analyst, accounts officer) to build relevant experience.
• Your employer can later sponsor you for a 482 (2 years) and then 186 (PR) after 2 years with that sponsor.
• Alternatively, accumulate sufficient points via SkillSelect and apply for 189 (Skilled Independent) after 3–5 years.

Strategy 2: Diversify to increase point value

If you plan to apply for a points-tested visa (189, 190, 491), your work experience alone is worth points. However, the occupation must be on the relevant skills list.

Example:

• You studied IT and have a choice of employers.
• Option A: Work for a single employer in a non-listed role (e.g. tech support at a bank).
• Option B: Work for multiple employers in listed IT occupations (Software Engineer, Systems Analyst).
• Option B gives you better points and visa eligibility when you apply for 189 / 190.

Strategy 3: Build employer sponsorship relationships

Even if you change employers during your 485, you can build a relationship with a sponsorship-friendly employer and return to them after your 485 to pursue 482 sponsorship.

Example:

• You are on your 485 and work for Company A (good experience, but not planning to sponsor).
• You network with Company B, which frequently sponsors graduates.
• You maintain the relationship while exploring other roles during your 485.
• After 2–3 years on your 485, you return to Company B and discuss 482 sponsorship.
• Company B sponsors you for a 482 (2 years), then 186 (PR).

Tax and superannuation on your 485 wage

Taxation

You are an Australian resident for tax purposes while on a 485 visa. You must:

• Register for a Tax File Number (TFN) if you don’t have one.
• Report all income to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
• Pay income tax according to Australian tax rates (progressive rates, currently ranging from 19% to 45% depending on income).
• Complete annual tax returns (by 31 October of the following year).

Working while on a 485 is fully legitimate and ordinary tax rules apply.

Superannuation

Employers are required to contribute to your superannuation (retirement savings) at a rate of currently 11.5% of your gross salary (as of 2025–26). This contribution is made to a super fund of your choice and is not deducted from your take-home pay.

Important: While on a temporary visa (485), your superannuation is held in a restricted account. You cannot access it until you reach retirement age (currently 65–67) or meet specific conditions. Do not expect to access your super before then.

If you leave Australia or your visa expires, your superannuation remains in Australia (you cannot withdraw it and take it overseas). When you reach retirement age, you can access it from overseas if you have left Australia.

Building professional credentials during your 485

Beyond work experience, use your 485 period to pursue professional credentials that strengthen your PR application:

Professional certifications

• Accounting: Complete CA (Chartered Accountant), CPA (Certified Practising Accountant), or IPA (Institute of Public Accountants) requirements while working.
• IT: Pursue Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, Google Cloud certifications.
• Engineering: Work toward Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CP) status.
• Project management: Complete PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 certification.
• Other industries: Pursue industry-recognised credentials relevant to your occupation.

Professional registrations

• Nursing: Maintain AHPRA registration and pursue specialist qualifications.
• Teaching: Obtain full teaching registration and pursue Advanced Skills.
• Health: Pursue specialist registrations or diploma courses.

Advanced qualifications

• Pursue a Master’s degree or Graduate Diploma while working. Many universities offer part-time or online options. A Master’s can lead to an additional 3 years on a 485 PHEW visa (if you graduate while on your current 485 and apply to transition).

Networking and professional development

While building work experience, prioritise networking:

Professional associations

Join your occupation’s professional body (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, ANMAC for nursing, CPA Australia for accounting). Benefits include:

• Networking events and conferences.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Credential recognition for migration purposes.
• Job boards and recruitment opportunities.

LinkedIn and online presence

• Build a strong LinkedIn profile with your Australian work experience.
• Engage with Australian industry groups and alumni networks.
• Follow Australian companies and industry leaders.

Alumni and university events

• Attend your university’s alumni events and networking sessions.
• Connect with classmates who are also on their 485 or pursuing PR.
• Build relationships with university career services for ongoing support.

Industry events and conferences

• Attend industry conferences, expos, and networking events.
• Join local professional groups (e.g. chamber of commerce, industry associations).
• Participate in workshops, webinars, and training courses.

Changing jobs during your 485

One major advantage of the 485 is that you can change jobs freely without any visa impact. Unlike the 482 (where you must work for your sponsor) or some other visas, changing employers on a 485 does not require notification to the Department or any visa modification.

How to change jobs

1. Give notice to your current employer (typically 2 weeks in Australia, unless your contract specifies otherwise).
2. Secure a new job offer from your new employer.
3. Start your new role.
4. No visa action required — your 485 continues unaffected.

You can change jobs as many times as you wish during your 485 without Department approval.

Things to consider when changing jobs

• Continuity of employment: For some visa pathways (482, 186, skilled migration points), continuous employment with one employer is valued. If you change jobs frequently, some employers or assessing bodies may question the stability of your work history.
• Character and health concerns: Changing jobs does not trigger character or health checks. However, the Department may query any gaps in employment if you later apply for other visas.
• Visa condition compliance: Some visas have work-related conditions (482 does; 485 does not). Ensure your new role aligns with any conditions of your visa (485 has none, so any role is fine).

Transitioning from 485 to sponsorship or points-based visas

Your 485 work experience is critical to your next visa:

For employer sponsorship (482 → 186)

• Employer relationship: If you have been working for an employer on your 485, they may sponsor you for a 482 after you have been with them for 1–2 years. After 2 years on the 482, you can transition to 186 (PR).
• Occupational match: Your 485 work must be in a role relevant to your occupation (on the CSOL). If you have been in an unrelated occupation, sponsorship will be harder.
• Timing: Plan to transition to sponsorship before your 485 expires (ideally 6–12 months before expiry).

For points-tested visas (189, 190, 491)

• Points accumulation: Each year of Australian work experience in your skilled occupation gives you points on SkillSelect. After 3–5 years on a 485, you may accumulate enough points to be invited for 189 (Skilled Independent).
• Age points: As you age (to 25–32), you gain maximum age points (30). After 32, your age points decline. Plan your points calculation accordingly.
• Occupation on CSOL: Your work must be in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List for points to count.
• Skills assessment: Before applying for any skilled visa, you must have a positive skills assessment from your occupation’s assessing body (VETASSESS, ACS, EA, etc.).

Key points to remember

• No sponsor needed: You can work for any employer without sponsor approval.
• Any occupation: No occupational restrictions — work in any field.
• Change jobs freely: Change employers unlimited times without visa impact.
• Build experience: Use your 485 to build work experience relevant to your PR pathway.
• Tax and super: You pay income tax and your employer pays superannuation (11.5%).
• Superannuation is locked: You cannot access your super until retirement (unless specific exceptions apply).
• Network actively: Build professional relationships that may lead to sponsorship opportunities.
• Plan your transition: Before your 485 expires, apply for your next visa (482, 189, 190, 491, or other).

FAQ

Q: Can I be self-employed on a 485? A: Yes. You can be self-employed, run a business, or work as a contractor while on a 485. You must register for tax purposes and pay income tax on profits. Ensure you comply with all Australian business and tax laws.

Q: Does working on my 485 affect my eligibility for permanent residency later? A: No. Australian work experience is actually valuable for PR pathways. Work experience strengthens skilled migration applications and is a requirement for some paths (e.g. 482 sponsorship requires 2 years with the sponsor; 189 gives points for years of work experience).

Q: What if I don’t work during my 485? A: You are not required to work. You can study, travel, or remain unemployed. However, accumulating Australian work experience significantly improves your PR prospects.

Q: Can my employer reduce my salary because I’m on a 485? A: No. You are entitled to the same pay and conditions as Australian citizens and permanent residents in the same role. Wage discrimination based on visa status is illegal. If you are underpaid compared to colleagues, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Q: If I leave my job, can I still stay in Australia on my 485? A: Yes. Your 485 visa is not conditional on employment. You can leave your job, be unemployed, travel, or study without affecting your visa status.

Q: How long does it take to get my first job on a 485? A: This varies widely — from days to weeks or months depending on your field, qualifications, location, and job market conditions. Start networking and applying while still on your student visa if possible.

Sources

• Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa — Work Rights
• Australian Taxation Office — Tax file numbers
• Fair Work Ombudsman
• Superannuation rules for temporary visa holders

Last reviewed: April 2026. Migration rules and occupation lists change frequently — always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the relevant assessing body before acting.